Navigating Iowa Window Tint Laws: An In-Depth Look

Iowa Window Tint Laws Explained

Before you set out to tint the windows of your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you’re in compliance with the Iowa window tinting law. Depending on where you live in Iowa, you’ll have slightly differing rules regarding your window tint that you’ll need to understand and abide by. Otherwise, you could be subject to fines and/or be ordered to remove the tint.
Iowa window tinting laws exist in order to ensure public safety. Lowered visibility at night poses a myriad of hazards for both vehicle operators and members of the general public. Because tinted windows impede nighttime visibility in the dark, there are strict rules regarding how much tint can be applied to windows like the windshield and the front two driver-side and passenger-side windows. Where the tint can be placed and the degree to which it affects visibility is heavily regulated throughout the state of Iowa.
The Iowa window tinting law applies to all vehicles that are not trucks or buses. The Iowa State Department of Transportation (DOT) issued guidelines so that drivers know exactly what the window tint requirements are and what they mean for them . The following rules apply to all vehicles in the state of Iowa:
Window tint laws in Iowa are enforced on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis. Local law enforcement may choose to employ a tint meter to measure the tinting of your windshield or any other window if they suspect it is too dark to comply with state regulations.
If your vehicle is outfitted with aftermarket tint and you are pulled over by law enforcement, you’ll be ticketed until you have taken the appropriate corrective measures to come into compliance with the Iowa window tinting law.
Local law enforcement may ticket you for noncompliance with Iowa window tinting laws without ever needing to pull you over. If they have reason to believe you have illegally tinted windows, they may issue a ticket. Then, you must take steps to meet compliance to avoid further fines.
Vehicles that are ordered off the road for noncompliance must undergo a compliance check to determine that the tint is lawful before being released back to their owners.

Tint Percent Legal for SUVs, Trucks and Cars

For sedans, SUVs, and trucks, the permissible tint percentages for the windshield, driver’s side glass, passenger’s side glass, and rear window are as follows:
Windshield: The tinted strip at the top must not extend more than five inches below the top edge of the windshield, or the total amount of light transmitted through the glass must not be less than 70 percent.
Driver’s Side Windows: The driver’s side window must allow more than 32 percent of light in.
Passenger’s Side Windows: The passenger’s side windows must allow more than 32 percent of light in.
Rear Window: The rear windows must allow more than 32 percent of light in.
Since exceptions apply to medical exceptions, and law enforcement use, it is best to check the law to verify your particular situation.

Exceptions to Window Tint Rules

Iowa does offer certain exemptions or exceptions to window film or tint laws for special situations, such as cars with personalized license plates, antique cars, or cars driven by a person who requires medical treatment or has a medical condition that is improved by shades. Certain cars require darker films to meet shows, like limousines. Those may be exempted as well.
To get an exemption, though, the law requires approval first. The law states that "a manufacturer or distributor of window tinting materials may apply through the county registrar for an exemption" (Iowa Code Section 321.438A (2)). The screen tint film must account for sufficient visible light transmission, and the manufacturer shall submit this information to the county registrar. An example provided in the law is that the acceptable window film weight of five percent shall be applied only to those vehicles manufactured with 20 percent or less reflective windshield tint at the time of manufacture.
Older cars may need windshields tinted for medical reasons if, for example, a driver suffers from light trauma of a severe kind, which could require the eye to be covered for several weeks. Drivers in these types of situations may want to contact the Iowa Department of Transportation or local DMV for specific requirements.

Penalties for Violating Window Tint Laws

Given the benefits offered by window tint, one might be tempted to ignore state law. However, this is ill advised. A police officer who stops you for another offense could also issue a ticket for violation of Iowa’s tint law. If the tint is compromising your safety as a driver or passenger then in fact you may have committed a minor criminal act. The first component of penalty is the enforcement; a ticket for noncompliance. That ticket carries a fine. An officer of the law on the scene may issue a citation for what was originally a warning, and now an actual offense for which a penalty was assessed. Sometimes that order is initiated but if the driver has a social security number as an identifier, the fine is quickly and efficiently entered into a system and processed through the mail. In either situation, the fine can be handled out of court. It could find its way into the court system. A complaint can be registered alleging perceived infractions, and the outcome could range from a warning to a fine and/or community service. That citation would come in the form of a written notice to appear in Iowa District Court for a misdemeanor charge. Keep in mind that the penalty is the same whether the tint reduction is present on the windshield or the front side windows. The lack of having the certificate of compliance for the tint level would be the crime, and could lead to a pretty stiff fine.

How to Measure Window Tint Percentage

While DIY is a popular option in many discerning consumer segments these days, there is no getting around the fact that window tint laws and law enforcement are a professional industry. Even if you elect to measure the tint percentage for every window in your vehicle yourself, you can’t be sure that law enforcement personnel are going to give you the same benefit of the doubt.
Tint percentage is something that is relatively easy to measure in some general terms, but you would need to invest in a window tint meter or a DIY tool to measure in terms that will be acceptable to a law enforcement officer.
Here are the general rules of measuring and determining window tint percentage in Iowa: As illustrated below, the front windshield is what tint percentage is typically measured on most cars, however, they are often tested on the windshield + the front two side windows in Iowa.
You can use a narrow flat-blocker surface that can be pushed through the tint and directly against the glass in order to get a clear reading on your top tint. You need to take 3 readings, one in the corner closest to the driver, one in the center, and one in the corner farthest away from the driver. You then average the readings, and this will give you a basic percentage of your window tint.
Most window tint manufacturers will provide a rating percentage for their standard materials, but actually reading the tint percentage, or "VLT" as it is common to refer to it, is an entirely different thing .
When referring to window tint, "VLT" stands for the "Visible Light Transmission". This refers to how much light is let through. As for the percentage of tint, the lower a ‘VLT’ reading, the darker the tint appears. The prior examples indicate a 70% VLT, which means that exactly 70% of light comes through the tinted glass. This is a legally permitted appearing tint.
A 5% VLT appears dark black, and appears darker than legal window tint. Perhaps the most common percentage of window tint is 15%, which permits 15 percent of light through, and gives you that look of near black tint.
If you are looking for a much more advanced % tint reading for your vehicle, consider employing a tint meter. A professional device is a tool used by police and other law enforcement officers to easily measure tint percentages. Many tint meters only measure tint and similar materials, and not materials used to hold glass together.
This is important for the reading because a layer of protective tint increases the tint percentage. You can therefore contact FROSTBITE or another tint meter manufacturer to help determine the best tint meter for your needs. (e.g. Sun Gun, Window Tint Pro, etc.).
Even though you can purchase a window tint meter for general use, they are not made with the standard customer in mind, and may require some training. Accordingly, if you are not comfortable with your ability to interpret the readings correctly, it is recommended that you simply have the tint percentage measured at a shop or by a law enforcement officer.

Window Tint Laws in Iowa Compared to Neighboring States

Iowa’s window tinting laws are somewhat less restrictive than many of its neighbors, but they still have some important differences to keep in mind if you plan to travel out of state with tinted windows.
Unlike most of Iowa’s neighbors to the east, Iowa does not classify vehicles into two categories for window tinting purposes. In other words, all drivers are subject to the same laws when it comes to the tint level on their windows. Iowa’s front windshield tint law allows a maximum tint level of 70% VLT, while the tint level limit for windows on the front two passenger windows is 70%. On windows located at the rear of the vehicle, there is no limit on tint percentage. Iowa law does not limit how dark a vehicle’s driver and passenger windows can be.
Of Iowa’s neighbors, only Nebraska has no restrictions on rear window tint. Nebraska law allows for sides and rear windows of a motor vehicle to have any degree of tint, as does Oklahoma. However, all other states in the region impose some sort of limit on the tint of a vehicle’s rear windows, ranging from 20% VLT in Wisconsin and South Dakota to no limit under Illinois law.

Determining What Tint is Right for Your Vehicle

When selecting the right window tint for your vehicle, there are several factors to consider to ensure compliance with Iowa’s laws as well as to satisfy your own preferences. The first factor is the visible light transmission (VLT) level, which determines how much light can pass through your windows. All windows must comply with the legal limits. In Iowa, the maximum VLT for the windshield is 35%, which means that at least 35% of the light must be able to pass through the glass. For your front side windows, the state requires a minimum VLT of 32%. For any other window on the vehicle, the tint can only reflect 14% of the visible light. The rules are more lax for the rear side windows and the rear windshield, which can have a VLT of 7%.
Another important factor to consider is the aesthetics of the tint. You want to select a shade that suits your personal style and the overall look of your vehicle. Keep in mind that the darker the tint, the more heat it will absorb, potentially leading to discomfort. Style and comfort are unique to each person, so you should make a choice that meets your expectations.
Climate also plays an important role in your decision. Iowa experiences a continental climate, which means that winters can be extremely cold and summers are typically very hot. The tint you choose should be able to withstand these extreme temperatures and maintain its integrity over time. Additionally, you may want to opt for a tint with superior heat rejection properties to keep your vehicle’s interior cool during the summer.

Staying Informed about Window Tint Legal Changes

Staying informed about any potential changes to Iowa’s window tinting laws is crucial for safety, compliance, and peace of mind. While major revisions to these laws are infrequent, there is always the possibility of amendments or clarifications that could impact you or your vehicle .
The following resources are recommended for keeping apprised of any such changes:
State government websites and legal news sources
Automotive and window tinting associations, which often publish updates on relevant regulations
Email or text alerts from government agencies or legal news outlets
Social media pages dedicated to legislative updates in Iowa
By subscribing to these updates and paying attention to local news, Iowa vehicle owners can ensure they’re always in the loop when it comes to window tinting laws—or any other vehicular regulations that might arise.